The Healing Ocean

I find ocean meditation to be very healing. I love the salt water, seaweed and its healing properties. Ah, but I am 1000 miles from the shore! If you love the ocean but it is far away from your daily life -- try ocean healing music. I have a CD called Dream Surf that works wonders . . . truly elevates the spirit and provides great nourishing energy.





Staring at the ocean . . . wishing to be a mermaid!

Bridesmaid Luncheon for Lauren's Wedding in KY

My niece, Lauren, married her true love Cameron on June 5 just a few short weeks ago! I celebrate my 17th wedding anniversary soon!






Pic of Dayna and Lauren at Lauren's bridesmaid luncheon on 4 June. Luncheon was hosted by Lauren's mother at the Inn at the Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Inn at the Park is a beautiful historic home servicing as a Bed and Breakfast and for special celebrations. Simply lovely! The luncheon was in honor of Lauren's bridesmaids.

Calligraphy Lady: "Calligrapher with a heart!"

I just added some NEW fonts to my font library for envelope addressing. I realize in these current economic times, clients want a personalized look for a great price - without sacrificing exceptional service. That is why I continually reinvent my little business to service my client's individual budgets and needs. I want them to have the best at a price they can afford.

Remember the movie, "Mr. Mom" . . . the advertising campaign . . . "Tuna with a heart" . . . Well, I would like for you to think of The Calligraphy Lady®, as "The Calligrapher with a heart!"

Combining my hand calligraphy flourishes with popular commercial wedding fonts, I am now able to computer print envelopes for clients at an inexpensive, affordable price of $1.50 per outer envelope or $1.75 per envelope set.

Check out my growing collection:






And please visit my computer calligraphy envelope page for envelope samples and additional information.

Ming Dynasty and Calligraphers

Painting of Wang Xizhi by a later Yuan Dynasty artist.

Last night, I attended the St. Louis Art Museum member's event featuring a large collection of artifacts from the Ming Dynasty. The show features the court arts of China -- it was amazing! My favorite piece of the exhibit showcased the work of Chinese Calligrapher Wang Xizhi -- a small porcelain bowl in perfect rare condition. It is said that he loved to watch swans and that they inspired his calligraphy strokes! Many of the artists like Wang Xizhi were never allowed to leave the Imperial City. Can you imagine? As artists, I wonder if they had to pay taxes like I do on my calligraphy business?! I think paying taxes is better when it includes freedom, don't you? ; )

Nature is a huge part of my calligraphic inspiration too. For example, I love the curls of grapevines -- the interesting twists and turns have inspired my calligraphy swirls. Even architecture has inspired me -- Corinthian and Doric columns have influenced my monograms. Fashion and clothing provide me with ideas -- the patterns in toile fabric, the ruffles of a clown's collar, the intricate pattern work of lace. Inspiration can be found everywhere.

Last night as we left the art museum, the sky was incredible; the air smelled fresh of Spring. The lawn of Art Hill was green again -- hard to believe just a few months ago folks were snow sledding down it! As the sun set and the light filtered through the high altitude clouds, the color was a breathtaking shade of orange red. I thought to myself, God rewards us continually in so many miraculous ways. We must be sure to enjoy, find inspiration and give thanks!

Computer Calligraphy, St. Louis

Computer Calligraphy

Calligraphy created with Computer Addressing

Are your envelopes jamming or not feeding properly on your home printer? Allow us to address your envelopes in an exquisite computer calligraphy font to complement your wedding invitations. Affordable and elegant, computerized calligraphy gives your envelopes a personalized look and can be completed quickly -- great for rush services.

The Calligraphy Lady® offers fancy wedding fonts with flourishes and swirls. For example, our envelopes feature a computer scanned, hand lettered swirl created by The Calligraphy Lady! Your guests will think your envelopes have the look of being hand done. This option is unique and exclusive to The Calligraphy Lady®. Please email us, if there is a particular script or custom design you which would like for us to create for YOU!

For an envelope set (inner and outer envelopes) which does not include the return address, The Calligraphy Lady ® charges $1.75 a set for computer calligraphy in black ink. Outer envelopes only are $1.50 each in black ink. Return address printing (for outer envelope back flaps) is 50 cents each for computer calligraphy in black ink. Reply card envelopes printed for 50 cents each. There is a $30.00 flat fee for color ink.

For additional pricing information please email Dayna, dayna@calligraphylady.com, regarding our computer calligraphy services.

The Calligraphy Lady models for Talbots

Last Friday April 10th, I had the fun opportunity to be a model for our local Talbots store at Plaza Frontenac. I wore two ensembles and modeled the dresses throughout the store for customers. One dress was made of a lovely jacquard fabric with a tiny print -- a sophisticated sun dress for any occasion.

In this picture, I am wearing a polished cotton dress which features a unique bamboo print -- I love this dress! I also wore a large black floppy hat -- "Hello Derby, here I come!" Since I recently took a Chinese brush calligraphy class during which I learned to paint brush bamboo -- well, this bamboo motif dress is perfect for a calligraphy lady! And it is perfect for anyone who loves a dress they can move in, feel sexy in and chic -- and artistic!

Très cool (pronounced koool!).

Letterpress on Light Ivory Stationery

Inspired to do a NEW Letterpress trend for 2009/2010 . . .

This winter we took our out-of-town guests from Virginia Beach to the MO Botanical Gardens. One of my favorite stops is the Linnean House -- it was full of camellias in bloom! I love camellia flowers -- my favorites are the peppermint stripes and light pinks. Beautiful, soft and the texture is so smooth and delicate.

Which lead me to my most recent idea - smooth stationery for letterpress. Often letterpress stationery is textured and thick. That's not to say it is not lovely. But why not try smooth, lighter color ivory paper -- something delicate, elegant, formal? So I did just that . . . letterpress samples on softer color ivory stationery that boasts a smooth finish. The result -- different, ELEGANT and WOW! I'm in love with the look and can hardly wait to create these letterpress calligraphy invitations for a new client. The black ink is consistent in the pressed lettering and the calligraphy letters hold their character and quality perfectly.


My calligraphy is pressed into smooth stationery for a twist on the age old beautiful art of letterpress. A traditional and fabulous new flair! It's new and it all began in The Calligraphy Lady® studio this month!

I love ivory stationery in both traditional cream and the new lighter color -- sometimes called wedding white. So I offer both ivory shades to clients.

Please visit my site at http://www.calligraphylady.com for more samples of my elegant wedding invitations handwritten in ornate calligraphy.

Christie Brinkley Beauty Secrets

I recently bought a gently used copy of Christie Brinkley's Outdoor Beauty and Fitness book from amazon.com for about $6.00 (with shipping). The book was published over 20 years ago, however, the information is still excellent -- full of interesting tips and beauty secrets. I purchased it because I am amazed at how young Christie looks! As a young girl, I remember admiring her beach tan beauty in National Lampoon's Vacation. My friends and I -- we all wanted to look like Christie!

I think it is a great buy for a new bride, especially if you are planning a beach wedding and honeymoon by the sea. Christie gives tips for getting in shape, diet, waterproof make-up and proper sun tanning techniques. She mentions freezing raisins as a great snack - only 30 calories for a tablespoon, or try freezing a banana as a frozen treat. For our faces, she recommends exfoliating skin once a week with a product like St. Ives and a buff puff. She writes that a man's skin stays looking youthful longer because of daily shaving -- hence the need for women to exfoliate with a facial scrub for cell turnover. As for tanning, she avoided the hottest hours of the day. She allowed only a minimal amount of tanning for her face (usually in morning hours). Today, she recommends wearing sunscreen every day.

I also found clips of her being interviewed by Rachel Ray. Christie suggests putting a hint of bright pink blush on the apples of our cheeks. I love this little tip! Since she is still a Cover Girl, and I have her same skin tone and coloring, I purchased the Cover Girl foundation she recommended on the show. And the pink blush too!

Fashion experts say to pick a celeb and imitate their fashion style. I choose Christie -- she will always be an Uptown Girl with a classic style!

Bob Anderson, Bobby Darin and 1957 Cars . . .

"Just once in a lifetime
A man knows a moment
One wonderful moment
When fate takes his hand . . .
Just once in my lifetime
I'm going to do great things" . . .
Bob Anderson, I think Bobby Darin sang this song for you!

I recently visited Branson Missouri with my husband for a short weekend trip. I love Branson! I am not a huge country music fan. Although my father is an excellent steel guitar player and was the number one Martin guitar dealer in MD for about 50 years! I grew up listening to country . . . so I admire the talent.

I really LOVE the old Standards. My absolute favorites are Bobby Darin and Dean Martin. While in Branson, I attended an amazing performance by a gentleman named Bob Anderson, the world's most famous singing impressionist. He is nothing short of incredible! He is able to impersonate every famous singer exactly.

When the lights dimmed dramatically in the intimate performance venue, and Bob Anderson performed Dean and Bobby . . . well, my heart promptly melted on cue! He did a hilarious perfect impression of Tom Jones too. Unfortunately, none of us had panties to toss onto the stage! lol.

Of course all of these singers are before my time (had to mention that), but there is something magical about them -- their everlasting charm. Bob Anderson possesses that same magic, that certain je ne sais quoi . When he performs, he takes on the persona of the individual he is impersonating. It is unbelievable! When he sings in his own beautiful voice (without doing an impression), the result is just as unforgettable.

Not only is he an amazing talent, but he has to be the most humble star . . . ever! During his performance, he strolled into the audience and asked if anyone was celebrating a special occasion. I raised my hand and explained that my husband was celebrating his one year as a kidney recipient. You could see in Bob's eyes and his mannerism that he was deeply touched by this. He congratulated my husband with sincerity.

After the performance, the opportunity was given for fans to buy Bob's DVD/CD of his music and Vegas performance days. When my husband tried to buy the set, Bob refused to take Tim's money. He hugged my husband, congratulated him and gave him the set as a gift! Then he allowed us to have our picture taken with him. With renewed energy, even after his amazing performance, he gave that same personalized magic away to every fan who wanted to talk to him or have their picture taken with him.

Thank you, Bob Anderson, for keeping the Standards alive, for keeping the magic alive. And for showing the world your greatness -- a combination of tremendous talent, heart, humility and gratitude. If only more stars, could shine like Bob! Dear Mr. Anderson, maybe that is your next calling . . . star etiquette instructor to other stars!

In addition to seeing Bob Anderson, my hubby and I also went to the '57 Heaven Classic Cars Attraction. It was so much fun. Here is a pic of me with my favorite car:






pic of Tim, Dayna with Bob Anderson in Branson, MO after one of his many perfect performances!

Wedding Invitations for Lauren

pic of Dayna, Lauren, Donna (my big sis, Lauren's mom)

This week I will create in ornate penmanship a wedding invitation (and accessories) that is dear to my heart. My niece, Lauren, is getting married in June. It's hard to believe that she is all grown up!

Stay tuned . . . for the wedding invitation and wedding day pics . . . after June . . .

How to Assemble Wedding Invitations

Take one complete invitation set to the Post Office and have it weighed. It is very important that you have correct postage for your invitations, of course. Sites like http://www.zazzle.com sell custom postage stamps.

After addressing inner and outer envelopes, invite friends and family to help stuff your invitations.

Affix postage to your reply card envelopes. I suggest using small 42 cent stamps like the wedding heart stamp from the Post Office.

Place reception card (if you have one of these), followed by the reply card, then the reply card envelope. Put the flap of the reply card envelope over the reply card. If there is an accommodation/direction/travel card, put this card last after the reply card envelope. Place all of these small cards neatly in front of your wedding invitation. Here is a photo example of reply card/envelope, activity/travel card, invitation:



The wedding invitation and enclosure cards are placed printed side up and inserted into the inner envelope. We do this so wedding guests can read the invitation and enclosure cards as they are removed from the inner envelope.

Place the inner envelope inside the outer envelope. The front of the inner envelope is addressed with the guests names only (for example, Mr. and Mrs. Kim). The printed side of the inner envelope should face you. When guests open the outer envelope and pull out the inner envelope, they will see their names.




Lastly, seal carefully. Do not put a wet envelope on top of another envelope. Wait until each envelope seal dries.

Wax seals are lovely, but they do tend to break off in the mail and may also cause other issues with the Post Office. Attractive seals are a great alternative.

Orchid Wedding Invitations

The orchid signifies love, beauty and strength. The unique blend of colors and flower artwork which grace this invitation set will represent the love that you share as a couple and also for your wedding guests.


Ornate Orchid wedding invitations may be purchased securely online.
Click on image to purchase samples or place your order. SALE: 10 percent discount will be applied at checkout. Also available are menu cards, place cards and accessories with matching orchid artwork to complement the invitation set.


Picture taken at Missouri Botanical Gardens. I always enjoy attending the annual MO Botanical Garden Orchid Show. So many varieties of Orchids to see! Plants lots of ideas for weddings in my head! . . . Orchids in the bridal bouquet . . . a simple orchid in a petite vase at an intimate reception table . . . introduce your theme with your invitation and set the tone for an unforgettable fairytale affair!

traditional wedding invitations


"Simple, elegant invitations with basic invitation wording, yet unbelievable and beautiful . . . " -- The Calligraphy Lady® Studio mantra!

There is something to be said for the traditional wedding invitation and all of its elegance. Years ago, affluent brides sent engraved wedding invitations on soft ivory premium cardstock from such paper manufacturers as Crane's or Mrs. John L. Strong. In fact, response cards were not even included in the invitation ensemble. Guests were expected to reply using their own personal stationery. Today, folks respond using reply cards and even electronic mail. Envelope liners were not used in invitation sets, because wedding invitation papers were heavy in paper weight and felt substantial in the hand. Tissues were used with engraved invitations in order to protect the engraved print on the stationery. Today, thermography and flat printing are affordable alternatives to engraving and are also "green" friendly since tissues are not needed to protect the print. Envelopes were hand addressed by a calligrapher or someone's mother or aunt who had perfect old school penmanship -- ie the Palmer handwriting method.

In modern day, wedding etiquette, invitations, styles and wedding locations (ie destination weddings) have evolved considerably. A lot of etiquette rules have changed because of the electronic world we live in and because brides are looking for something unique and different, reflective of their personal taste. Still many brides on their 50th anniversary look forward to saying, "I am so glad I selected that dress, those shoes, that cake, and we chose elegant wedding invitations because they are all timeless. I still love them!"

I enjoy the new invitation and wedding trends, but I will always love simple, traditional, minimalist everything -- the kind of taste of Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O. and Princesses Grace and Diana. White and ivory high quality stationery, handwritten text or traditional wedding font, clever response sets, basic invitation wording and hand illustrated monograms -- combined they result in a timeless wedding invitation.

So be clever, be different, be unique . . . but remember - the little black dress theory. Every woman has her own little black dress that makes her look incredible and feel special. The same can be true of your wedding day choices and invitations. :)

Rose Wedding Invitations by The Calligraphy Lady®


Shown is a scanned image of my practice red rose buds, petals and stem work. I always practice my art and lettering first (before I begin a new order) to make it perfect for my clients! I also date my work when I create it. This is a good habit for all calligraphers and artists. Date your work and keep it on file for as long as you like. It is fun to go back over the years and see how your art work has improved!

As The Calligraphy Lady®, I receive requests from clients for hand painted roses, custom designs and hand illustrated monograms to complement our handwritten wedding invitation collection. Custom color roses may accent our handwritten invitations, back flap of outer envelopes, the front of envelopes, programs and reception items. Hand illustrated monograms elegantly adorn the top of our invitations, outer envelopes, menu cards and program covers.

I practice painting my roses first before I paint on the finished invitation card. Sometimes clients desire a specific color to match their wedding bouquet or wedding color theme. I may mix several paints and use various tools like my pen and petite watercolor brushes to create a single hand painted rose.

When painting a rose, writing or illustrating with pointed pen, a feeling of being "one with the tool" is very important. The artist or calligrapher develops a sense of when to apply pressure and when to release pressure with their tools. This is true of both brush and calligraphy pen. This took me many years of practice, art and calligraphy classes to learn. As I mentioned in my post about Chinese brush class, painting bamboo was challenging -- learning to work with a soft large brush, meditating while creating art, and giving up a clenching grip on the brush! Typically, I hold my pointed calligraphy pen tightly -- which is not always a good habit to have!

I like to think of The Calligraphy Lady® invitations as "couture". Expert attention to detail, craftsmanship, gorgeous stationery, high quality inks, paints and tools, long hours of labor (that of love) and excellent customer service go into every invitation set.


A light pink rose floats gracefully above the handwritten invitation card by The Calligraphy Lady®.

And as with any art, skill, trade, sport or anything, there is always room for improvement throughout one's lifetime. So I keep practicing . . . for you! I hope my pen work and art bring joy (and a sort of healing via art) to others.

CHINESE BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY CLASS

I am currently taking a class called "Meditation with a Chinese Brush" through the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It has been a marvelous experience for me. It is tremendous how art can heal the individual -- whether it is through the creative process of the artist, or the way an artist's work heals its admirer.

So far I have learned how to paint bamboo. I must admit, I am bamboo-leaf challenged. I am learning that letting go of "control" of the brush (and in a bigger sense -- the things we can't control in life) is very difficult for me and healing at the same time.

I imagine I will continue to practice this art; it is addicting. Our instructor is an amazing, talented, wise woman! I am learning a great deal in this class and at the same time I am healing . . . She has taught me that we cannot go back. We must move forward. I learned this while grinding my ink on my ink stone! We must move in one direction while making ink . . . and so it is with life itself.

I have learned that in Chinese brush art, the first stroke made will always appear on top -- an interesting phenomena. This makes the art unique, thoughtful and challenging.

I ordered my Chinese art supplies from Oriental Art Supply. Their website is http://www.orientalartsupply.com. Wonderful vendor with excellent customer service and products.

My mistakes are now "happy dots" on my rice paper! My water brush glass is half full. :)

elegant wedding invitations

Engraved wedding invitations with a personalized monogram were hand selected by our wonderful clients Stephanie and Chris of Atlanta Georgia from our wedding invitation collection. Dayna loved working with Wanda (mother of the bride) and Stephanie! It is always an added delight when clients become true friends! Thank you, Stephanie and Wanda! And thank you Ben Vigil Photography for your amazing talents and photo use.



The Engraved Invitation Set measuring approximately 6 by 9 inches, engraved on premium, non-folding ivory stationery (also available in white card stock and as a fold over card). An invitation set includes invitation, reply set, reception card, inner/outer envelopes. Price is approximately $19.95 a set with an order of 100 sets (approximately $1995.00. Free shipping via FedEx Ground insured within the US. No sales tax outside of Missouri.)


The luxurious invitation rests on an elegant easel and is photographed for their wedding album!


The Happy Couple!


The Wedding Menu for the luxurious Atlanta Reception.


The Wedding Program for the Georgian Wedding Celebration.

Are you searching for couture wedding invitations printed on gorgeous stationery, fashioned with original designs and sophisticated style?

In our studio, your invitation will be custom-made, not made by custom^tm . . . For a look that is truly and uniquely your very own for your wedding day, call Dayna, The Calligraphy Lady®, at 314-401-3125, Monday thru Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm, CT. Our service is international. We work closely with our clients for a personalized experience.

Rose Wedding Invitations, Pink Rose Buds



Featured: ivory premium stationery with gold bevel round corner edge, size 6 by 9 inches, large paper size. Dayna's Romantic^tm hand calligraphy graces the card stock. For a special touch, a hand painted pink rose bud softly rests atop the calligraphy. Additionally, rose bud is lightly accented with gold shimmering gouache paint. An activities, accommodation or directions card may be added to any invitation set, as well as response set and reception cards.

Thank you Ronya and Wade for giving The Calligraphy Lady® the honor of creating your destination wedding invitation set for your romantic wedding in Ravello, Italy. Although Ronya was living in England at the time her invitations were being handcrafted, the ease of the internet, phone and express courier service made the process stress-free and still closely personalized.

Ronya was referred by one of our wonderful clients, Michele. Thank you Michele and Ronya! It was a pleasure to work with both of you. And I hope I will have the opportunity to work with you again in the future. Congrats!

An Atlanta Wedding

When Georgian bride Stephanie Cline contacted The Calligraphy Lady® to create her wedding invitations, we were thrilled! Click to see our Atlanta bride's monogram wedding invitation card, monogram reception napkins, monogrammed thank you cards in a collage on our calligraphy lady's website. In addition, we created a wedding menu featuring our Atlanta couple's initials:


Menu Card displayed for a Wedding Reception at Cherokee Town Club, Atlanta, Georgia.

I was first inspired by the monogram theme for a wedding in the early 1990's while touring Swan House in Atlanta. My breath was taken away by the exquisite beauty of the southern bride's trousseau on display in the "house museum". From antique monogrammed linens and monogram silverware to monogram tea service -- it was simply "to die for". Then later, I found an article in Victoria magazine featuring a wedding with a monogram, Victorian theme. The monogrammed chair covers, monogram cake and accessories were so elegant. Since that time, I have been suggesting and creating monogram invitation sets and accessories for my clients. And the wonderful feature about a monogram design is that it can be used on personalized stationery and napkins long after the wedding date.

Take it a step further and consider monogram guest towels and bath towels for your new home. Neiman Marcus and other fine retailers carry monogram table runners, linens and towels. And you can save dollars each year during their "pink sale". In our master bath, I chose ivory towels with a gold monogram theme of three initials for my husband and myself (I put my initial first, then our married last name initial, then my hubby's initial).

Order your wedding stationery ensemble. Call Dayna at 314-401-3125, Monday thru Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm CST, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Worldwide Service.

Holiday Cards Addressing Envelopes

Need envelopes addressed for your holiday stationery or Christmas cards?

Click on the link to browse our samples of computer calligraphy for envelopes. Cost is a $1.50 an envelope for black ink. Consider red or green ink too! Each additional color is 25 cents an envelope.



The Calligraphy Lady® Studio offers many elegant fonts for your holiday correspondence. Consider a red or green swirl under the address zip code on the envelope for a holiday embellishment - simply unique!

Book us for envelope addressing and then simply email us your computer list of holiday names and addresses. We will assist with address etiquette. You need only ship us your envelopes. We will print them and ship them back to you with expert care. Clients pay for shipping. General turn-around time is two to three business days. Rush services may be available.

Email dayna@calligraphylady.com or call 314-401-3125 (St. Louis, MO; hours: 9 to 5 pm CST) to reserve our envelope addressing services for your holiday or special event cards today!

free ground shipping - couture wedding invitations
discount wedding invitations sold too!



We sympathize with our customers during these current, economic times. We offer free, insured FedEx ground shipping on our handwritten invitation (couture) orders. And there is no sales tax on our handwritten orders, if you are non-Missouri resident.

And we offer discounts on our Chloe B. (Crane's Stationery) invitations, Jean M. wedding invitations, Something Different wedding favors and accessories, and other name brand invitations. Shop safely and securely online. Click on the link to shop for your beautiful wedding invitations and coordinating accessories. Proofs emailed to you within a few short business days. Rush service available. Clients pay for shipping for name brand invitations.

Our motto -- "wedding invitations with a heart ^tm"

And the Calligraphy Lady® -- "your wedding invitation designer with a heart ^tm"!